Have a quick layover in Dubai? See our editor-approved guide

Honeycomb Hi-Fi

Given the title of Dubai’s first listening bar, Honeycomb Hi-Fi brings to life a lavish record store, a High-Fidelity sound system, warm and minimal interiors designed for quality acoustics, and an izakaya kitchen to round out their vision. With a casual Japanese menu inspired by a traditional izakaya, guests can indulge in hot, binchotan grill and rice/noodles sections with a variety of dishes to share. By delivering a modern twist on Japanese classics, guests can dine at this luxe haven from 7:30pm to 3am on Friday and Saturday and Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30pm to 2am and visit this hidden gem in Pullman hotel.

Alma Bar

For an opulent dining experience, Alma Bar has made its way to Dubai’s DIFC at Sucre. Located within Sucre, a Michelin-guide-featured restaurant, Alma Bar is an enchanting venue celebrating the harmonious union of art, creativity, and culture. The venue is an exquisite fusion of cultures and eras from around the globe, paying tribute to both the past and the present. With signature cocktails presented by expert mixologists, who ensure each beverage is a masterpiece of liquid art. Executive chef Carlos De Los Mozos has created a delicious menu featuring signature dishes such as Burrata and Veal Prosciutto Pizzetta topped with smoked scamorza, pistachio, chimichurri and more. Open from Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am and Friday to Saturday 6pm to 3am, it’s located at the Podium Level at Gate Village 05 in DIFC.

Suave

Tucked inside the new bustling fine-dining haven of Basko, an antique staircase leads to this eclectic space that’s designed to make any night feel young no matter what day of the week. This underground bar has brought back an era reminiscent of glitz, glamour and galore. Dating back to the 1960s, this retro-fueled bar features a library of over 200 vintage records, featuring hits from Queen to David Bowie, with the DJ spinning to tunes that are sure to impress all those who enter. Located at Opus by Omniyat designed by Zaha Hadid in Business Bay, this new sophisticated venue is one to add to your must-try list.

7tales by City Social

Seven Tales is located at Grovesnor House, hidden within chef Jason Atherton’s latest concept City Social Dubai. Experience 1960's Tokyo at the new Japanese speakeasy bar, which is open every day from 7pm to 3am and is closed on Sunday.

DINING

Roka

Opened by the culinary genius behind Zuma, Rainer Becker, this contemporary Japanese restaurant opened back in 2020 and Sheikh Hamdan was one of the first to visit post-lockdown. Known for its contemporary Japanese robatayaki cuisine and sushi, this restaurant has become a firm favourite on the Dubai dining scene. Situated at Me Dubai, The Opus Business Bay, the restaurant is open daily from Monday to Friday 12pm to 3:30pm and 6:30pm to 12am, Saturday 12pm to 1am and Sunday 12pm to 12am.

Mimi Kakushi

Known for their cosy interiors and ultra-luxe décor, this restaurant is a must-visit with all the Japanese classics under one roof. By bringing back a hint of the 1920s, this Japanese fine-dining haven serves a host of delectable dishes such as salmon sashimi, foil gras gyoza and paired with signature cocktails to compliment the evening. Located at Four Seasons Dubai, this restaurant is hands down, one of my favourite fine-dining spots in Dubai and it’s open from Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am and Friday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm and 6pm to 2am.

3Fils

This homegrown concept was founded in late November 2016 to elevate your dining experience with a sense of comfort, discovery and sharing, serving premium Asian dishes with a Japanese twist as its focus while promoting harbour-side community-style dining. The restaurant is known for its delectable sushi crafted by a team of talented chefs. Guests can include in a variety of sushi rolls including sashimi and nigiri crafted from fresh high-quality ingredients. It’s an excellent venue for anyone looking for an exciting twist on classic sushi dishes. Located at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, it’s open daily from 12pm to 11:30pm.

Eugène Eugène

Eugène Eugène is a lush oasis in the heart of the city, drawing inspiration from greenhouses and market halls. The space features a green marble bar, an inviting conservatory, and comfortable rattan sofas, creating a perfect blend of casual comfort and refined elegance. With a meticulously crafted menu overseen by award-winning Corporate Chef Gilles Bosquet and curated by Head Chef Yannis Sgard, guests can indulge in a range of dishes prepared with the freshest and finest ingredients, each with a modern twist. It’s open daily from 12am to 12pm and is located at Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates.

Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia

Lead by well renowned Indian Chef Ritu Dalmia, Atrangi’s culinary offerings shine a spotlight on lesser-known regional Indian delicacies, infusing the vibrant venue with the comforting essence of homemade cooking. With a varied menu that caters to a diverse range of palates, Atrangi offers a personalised solution for those seeking the ultimate culinary experience. To experience the key dishes, Diners can choose between two options for the tasting menu. The five-course tasting menu is priced at Dhs440 or an indulgent seven course experience priced at Dhs640. The seven-course menu is inclusive of a delectable amuse bouche and palate cleanser, heightening the dining experience and allowing each signature plate to create a harmony of flavours with each bite. It’s available from 6pm to 12am and is located in the prestigious Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel.

Kokoro, the UAE’s first handroll bar

Since its soft launch, Kokoro (which is nestled within Alserkal Avenue) has become a viral sensation. To date, the team has rolled up and served more than 24,000 handrolls. Fresh fish and meat featured throughout the menu are specially sourced from some of the finest cuts and suppliers which the team has worked with for years, including Hamachi (Japanese yellowtail), sake (salmon), various tuna varieties, kani (jumbo lump crab), hotate (Hokkaido scallop), as well as A5 wagyu nigiri. The best way to experience Kokoro is to take the chef’s recommendations. The venue is located in Alserkal Avenue in Dubai, and seats up to 44 with 18 stools wrapped around the bar and 26 table seats. For those dining in groups of 4 or more should opt for the table seats.

SPAS

Guerlain

Sitting on Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent, inside The One&Only, The Palm, this tranquil and intimate Guerlain Spa escape is a par excellence retreat. Accessed through a spectacular Arabian- inspired courtyard and encircled by infinite trees with serene water-edged walkways, the spa offers exclusive treatments designed by the House of Guerlain and features individual suites, a couples’ suite, a relaxation room and a private swimming pool.

CULTURE

Old Souk

This expansive area is nothing short of lavish gold jewellery, handwoven fabrics, traditional oud perfumes and exquisite souvenirs. For visitors and tourists wanting to take back a piece of the UAE, they can opt for bespoke jewellery pieces as a special memento. Known for an array of exotic spices, this neighbourhood has a plethora of high-quality spices and locally-blended teas to take home. Additionally, visitors can discover the colourful textile market in the heart of Bur Dubai.

Etihad Museum

Designed to highlight the nation’s history and how the seven emirates came to unity 1971, this heritage site displays a fascinating collection of artefacts. The museum is a masterful tribute to the manuscripts on which the union agreement was originally signed. With key photographs and interactive audio-visual exhibits, visitors can experience the UAE’s archival symbolism in a creative manner. Located in Jumeriah St. 1, it’s open daily from 10am to 8pm. Adult tickets are priced at Dhs25.